Formula 1 Technical Update: Teams Tweak Designs Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
After the Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1 teams have made significant changes to their car designs in preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix. Mercedes, Red Bull, and Sauber have all introduced new components to optimize their cars’ performance at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Mercedes W15: Tweaked Front Suspension and Wing Design
Mercedes has made adjustments to the position of the track rod and lower front suspension arm on the W15, aiming to better utilize the revised airflow characteristics of the front wing introduced in Monaco. The new front wing, first seen on George Russell’s car in Monaco, features a complete overhaul in terms of concept, with a novel inboard upper flap section removed and a more traditional chord variant installed instead. The make-up and distribution of all the flaps are different from the previous specification, with a wider moveable section now present. To balance the front brake’s cooling needs, Mercedes has also enlarged the main inlet scoop on the brake duct.
Red Bull RB20: New Rear Wing and Adjusted Brake Duct
Red Bull has introduced a new rear wing solution on the RB20, designed to optimize downforce for the Canadian Grand Prix. The team has also opted for a low-downforce version of its beam wing arrangement, with two slender elements mounted between the crash structure and rear wing endplates. Additionally, Red Bull fixed reference stickers to the front suspension pull-rods and brake duct in FP1 to gather more data for analysis.
Sauber C44: New Rear Wing and Beam Wing Design
Sauber has added a new rear wing and beam wing to its suite of downforce options, introducing a lower-downforce version of the overhauled design first seen in Monaco. The most notable difference is a switch from a twin pylon mounting arrangement to a single swan-neck solution. Although the wing features the semi-detached tip section and endplate juncture now common in the grid, the changes aim to optimize downforce at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
These updates demonstrate the relentless pursuit of innovation and performance in Formula 1, as teams continually push the boundaries of technical excellence to gain a competitive edge. With the Formula 1 calendar heating up, these tweaks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the Canadian Grand Prix and beyond. Stay updated with the latest Formula 1 news, including Formula 1 tyres and Formula 1 autocentre developments, for expert insights into the world of Formula 1 racing.
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